Chronicles the life of a mom, teacher, and writer trying to stay sane amid the chaos of daily life.

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October 30, 2009

In the land of the living...

Every year for the past few years we've hosted a family Halloween gathering at our house. My kids love to decorate for Halloween, and I love the chance to host a holiday party--especially a party that involves cooking up ghoulish looking cookies and other Halloween-themed food. I was so prepared this year--in advance, for once. Weeks ago I bought the party plates and tablecloth, and I've been collecting recipes and party ideas, and browsing Halloween sites for what seems like forever.

It doesn't look like it's going to happen this year. Thanks, H1N1.

Even if I were feeling better, which I'm not (this is the flu that won't stop giving), I'm not sure anyone would want to come to a party at a former House of Sick and eat food prepared by someone who spent almost the entire week curled up on the couch, blowing her nose and coughing. The house is a mess, laundry is piled up, and I'm behind in everything. I can't imagine having a party here on Saturday anymore than I can imagine going the next ten minutes without having to blow my nose.

The kids are very disappointed, and I am, too. But, as I lie here on the couch typing this, and watching the fall leaves trickle past the window, I know I'll just be grateful to feel better, Halloween party or not. There is nothing--nothing--like being sick to make you realize just what a gift good health is, and how wonderful it is to feel your energy come back, and to be able to rise up from your couch and head out into the good days to come.

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If I can't make all those Halloween goodies I was planning to, then at least I can share them with you here. Some of these recipes I used in past years, others are new ones I was hoping to try.

These cookies are always a favorite every year. I've made them for school parties, and for the family party. I'm planning on making them again this year, since T. and L. would be very disappointed, I think, if we had a Halloween go by without those gruesome-looking finger cookies.

I found these Mummy Dogs by chance and I think it's perfect! I was going to make these with vegetarian hot dogs. Aren't they great?

You can't have Mummy Dogs without Mummy Pizzas, of course. I've made these for our party before and they are always a hit.

I don't think I would have had time to make anything from this site, but I loved looking at the recipes! Scroll down to the Eerie Eyeballs--maybe some day I'll try my hand at those (and how could you resist making Decayed Corpse Chips with Entrail Salsa?).

T. really wanted to make these Marshmallow Witches and, since they're no-bake I think they'd be perfect for kids to help assemble.

And if you want a super simple, healthy Halloween snack, serve up these apple bites.

They're a great way to work some fruit and nuts into a holiday otherwise filled with nothing but sugar.
Happy Weekend, and Happy Halloween, and stay healthy!

Comments

Omaha Mama

October 30, 2009 8:51 AM

I am STILL struggling with congestion. The coughing and blowing of the nose! I've made it to work all week, but everyone looks at me like I must have the plague! I missed an entire week of work last week and now spent this one feeling really crumby. I look forward to feeling better too, I can't wait for the first night that I manage to not wake up with a coughing fit. It's like parenting a newborn, hoping and hoping to sleep through the night! :-)
I hope you do feel better soon and that you can enjoy the holiday with your own kids even without the party.
Oh - and our house? Still not back to normal. Piles and laundry and messes EVERYWHERE!

Scooter really wanted a Halloween party, but we haven't been able to get it together enough over here to have one with friends and such. But he seems to accept that Grandma and Grandpa will come over and have a party with him. My mother-in-law makes these great (for kids) treats that are a mix of melted marshmallows and white chocolate chips. After spooning them into ghost-like shapes on parchment paper, you can add mini-chocolate-chip eyes and mouth. Scooter loved them last year and I even had one or two.

It IS awful, like nothing I've experienced before. I called my dr today, just to be sure it's okay that I feel WORSE today than I have all week and they were completely unconcerned. They said that it's pretty much happening to everyone, the regression after a few days of feeling okay. Yuck!
I hope you're recovery is quicker. The one good thing is that the kids both bounced back much better this week. They seem to be feeling pretty much back to normal, aside from being very tired by the end of the day.

You've reassured me, Omaha--I keep running an on and off fever now since Monday and all the sites I look at say you should only really be running a fever for 3 or 4 days. I think it will just take awhile to feel better, and it helps to know that you're still recovering. I hope you rest up this weekend.

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